NHS

Dentistry
is one of very few NHS services you have to pay for. This section explains what
you will have to pay for and when you may not have to pay.

The treatment that your dentist believes is necessary to achieve and maintain good oral health is available on the NHS. This means that the NHS provides treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.

Depending on what you need to have done, you should only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it.

There are three
standard charges for all NHS dental treatments:

Band 1 course of treatment – £21.60 This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant.

Band 2 course of treatment – £59.10 This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth.

Some patients are
automatically exempt from payments, these are listed below.
The following categories automatically qualify for free treatment.
• Under 18• Under 19 and in full time education• Nursing and pregnant mothers (1 year either
side of your baby being born and a maternity exemption card must be shown)
• Income support (incapacity benefit and disability living allowance do not count)
• Tax Credit Certificate (must have an NHS exemption card)
• Income based Job Seekers Allowance (contribution based does
not count)
• Income related Employment & Support Allowance
(contribution-related does not count)
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (savings credit on its own
does not count)
• Valid HC2 certificate*Please note – if you are
unsure whether you are covered by any of the above you must check before
signing that you are as the health board do fine the patient £100 if the
information is incorrect. We also request proof of which
ever benefit it is that makes you exempt each time you start a new
course of treatment, without this we will mark it down as unseen and it will be
investigated by the dental board to confirm you are eligible for exemption.

If you are on a low
income and feel that you need help with your treatment costs, our receptionists
will give you a HC1 form which may be sent for a certificate to help
towards these costs.